About 25 years ago, I became the #1 chiropractor in Canada, treating around 150 patients a day and charging up to $1,000 per session for a select group of elite athletes. But I didn’t start out that way. Right after graduating, I charged just $20 per session and made only about $2,000 in my first month. It took years of trial and error to figure out what actually works—but this one simple technique I created out of sheer necessity kept me afloat when I needed clients fast.
You can do this too. No, it’s not easy, and it’s not for everyone. But if you’re in the same situation I was in—desperate to get new clients just to keep the lights on—this might help. Whenever I needed new clients immediately, I grabbed a stack of high-quality, professionally designed business cards with my photo on them. Then I went out and made sure I personally handed my card to at least 100 people that day—along with a quick pitch, telling them I was a new graduate and asking for their help.
Most people are kind. When they see you genuinely need help, they’ll often do what they can. Not once did this fail me—I always got a few new patients every time I did it. The income helped me get through the tough times until my practice grew.
The road to wealth often passes through hardship. You will stumble—everyone does. But those who succeed are the ones who get back up. For me, it was never about how I felt. Yes, it was awkward and nerve-wracking to approach strangers—I felt embarrassed every time. But I pushed those feelings aside because I needed income. I needed to survive. So I did what it took.
If you want clients fast, you may need to get over your fear and get out there. This method won’t be right for everyone—but if you truly need new clients tomorrow, it might work for you just like it did for me.
Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
World Osteopathy Day